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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Road Supervisor

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

ConstructionOperationsSupervisionPublic WorksCivil Engineering

🎯 Role Definition

The Road Supervisor is a critical leadership position responsible for the hands-on management and oversight of road construction, maintenance, and repair projects. This role serves as the frontline leader, ensuring that all work performed by road crews is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and to the highest standards of quality. A successful Road Supervisor combines deep technical knowledge of roadwork with strong leadership and communication skills, acting as the crucial link between senior management, engineering staff, and the field crews executing the work. This individual is pivotal in maintaining and improving public infrastructure, directly impacting community safety and transportation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Road Worker / Crew Leader
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Construction Foreman
  • Civil Engineering Technician

Advancement To:

  • Public Works Superintendent
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Operations Manager (Public Works/Transportation)

Lateral Moves:

  • Fleet Manager
  • Safety Coordinator / Manager
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Directly supervise, coordinate, and schedule the daily activities of road maintenance and construction crews, including laborers, equipment operators, and skilled trades, to ensure optimal productivity and resource allocation.
  • Conduct regular and thorough on-site inspections of all road construction, repair, and maintenance projects to verify compliance with engineering plans, specifications, traffic control plans, and government safety standards (e.g., OSHA, MUTCD).
  • Plan and execute a wide range of road maintenance tasks, such as asphalt patching, crack sealing, paving, grading, shoulder work, culvert installation and repair, and storm drain maintenance.
  • Manage project logistics, including the timely procurement and delivery of materials (e.g., asphalt, gravel, concrete), tools, and equipment, and coordinate with vendors and suppliers to prevent delays.
  • Operate or direct the operation of heavy and light equipment used in road maintenance and construction, including loaders, graders, backhoes, pavers, and dump trucks.
  • Implement and rigorously enforce safety protocols and procedures on all job sites to create a safe work environment, conduct regular safety meetings (toolbox talks), and investigate any accidents or incidents.
  • Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to crew members on proper work methods, equipment operation, and safety practices to foster skill development and a proficient workforce.
  • Evaluate the performance of crew members, provide constructive feedback, handle disciplinary issues in accordance with organizational policies, and participate in the hiring process for new team members.
  • Respond to and manage emergency situations, such as storm damage, traffic accidents, and road failures, often requiring availability outside of normal working hours, including nights and weekends.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of daily work activities, including labor hours, equipment usage, materials consumed, and work completed, for reporting and cost-tracking purposes.
  • Read and interpret complex construction blueprints, engineering drawings, survey stakes, and technical specifications to ensure projects are built to the correct design and standards.
  • Oversee and manage traffic control setups at work sites to ensure the safety of the public and the work crew, ensuring compliance with all relevant traffic control regulations.
  • Investigate and respond to citizen inquiries, complaints, and service requests regarding road conditions, providing professional and timely resolutions or information.
  • Assess road, bridge, and drainage system conditions to identify maintenance needs and assist in the development of short-term and long-term maintenance and capital improvement plans.
  • Coordinate work activities with other departments, utility companies, contractors, and external agencies to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth project execution.
  • Manage winter maintenance operations, including organizing snow and ice removal routes, dispatching plow crews, and overseeing the application of salt and sand.
  • Ensure all machinery and equipment are properly maintained, inspected, and in good working order, coordinating repairs with the fleet maintenance department.
  • Monitor project budgets and expenditures, ensuring that projects are completed within allocated financial resources and reporting any potential overruns to management.
  • Prepare and submit comprehensive written reports detailing project progress, challenges, resource allocation, and completion summaries for management review.
  • Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement within the road crew, identifying and implementing more efficient work methods and technologies.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to work order history, material costs, and labor productivity.
  • Contribute to the organization's strategic infrastructure and public works goals by providing field-level insights and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with engineering and planning units to translate long-range infrastructure plans into actionable, on-the-ground maintenance and construction requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, project kick-off meetings, and post-project reviews within the broader public works or construction team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Construction & Maintenance Expertise: In-depth knowledge of road construction materials, methods, and standards, including asphalt paving, concrete work, soil stabilization, and drainage systems.
  • Blueprint & Plan Reading: High proficiency in reading and interpreting civil engineering blueprints, construction plans, grade stakes, and technical specifications.
  • Heavy Equipment Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of the operation, capabilities, and safety requirements of heavy construction equipment.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Thorough understanding of local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA safety standards and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
  • Project & Resource Management: Skill in planning, scheduling, and allocating labor, equipment, and materials to maximize efficiency and meet deadlines.
  • Digital Record-Keeping: Competency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), project management software, and standard office applications (e.g., Microsoft Office) for reporting and tracking.
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL): A valid Class A or B CDL is often a requirement or highly preferred for this role.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Supervision: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of individuals, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
  • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: The capacity to quickly assess complex situations on-site, identify problems, and implement effective, practical solutions under pressure.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for providing clear directives to crews, liaising with the public, and preparing detailed reports for management.
  • Decision-Making: Sound judgment and the ability to make confident, timely decisions that impact project outcomes, safety, and budget.
  • Conflict Resolution: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively resolve disputes within the crew or address concerns from the public in a professional manner.
  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to overseeing work to ensure adherence to quality standards, specifications, and safety protocols.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Certifications in construction management or public works supervision are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Construction Management
  • Public Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in road construction, highway maintenance, or a closely related field, including at least 2-3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity (e.g., Foreman, Crew Leader).

Preferred:

  • Experience working in a municipal, county, or state public works department is highly desirable. Significant experience with snow and ice control operations is often preferred in relevant climates.
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